NAVELWORT Umbilicus rupestris

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A fascinating native wildflower of walls, rocks and shady places

Navelwort is an unusual and attractive native perennial, easily recognised by its distinctive, round, fleshy leaves with a small central depression resembling a belly button. Its unusual appearance gives the plant its memorable common name, while its botanical name Umbilicus rupestris also refers to this navel-like shape.

Naturally found growing in rocky crevices, old stone walls, damp banks and woodland rocks, Navelwort is particularly common in western Britain, including Wales, where the mild, damp climate suits it well. Its succulent leaves form low-growing clumps, while tall flower spikes appear in late spring and summer, carrying numerous small, bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers.

Navelwort thrives in partial shade and well-drained, rocky conditions, particularly where there is some moisture and shelter. It is ideally suited to stone walls, rock gardens, crevices and other locations where its roots can establish in relatively little soil.

Although it prefers some moisture, its fleshy leaves allow it to tolerate periods of drier weather once established. It is an excellent choice for naturalistic planting schemes and gardens that recreate the character of Britain's old walls and rocky habitats.

The delicate flowers of Navelwort provide a source of nectar for visiting insects, including bees and other small pollinators. Its summer flowering period adds to the diversity of plants available to insects in sheltered, rocky habitats.

As a native species, it also contributes to the distinctive plant communities found on old walls, rocky outcrops and woodland banks.

Plant Navelwort in a sheltered position with good drainage, ideally in partial shade. It is particularly effective when grown in gaps between stones, in rockeries or in crevices where other plants may struggle to establish.

Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. Once established in a suitable location, Navelwort requires little maintenance and can gradually spread to form attractive clumps

Also known as pennywort, this succulent is found growing on cliffs, dry hedge banks and walls. It produces an impressive flower spike of greeny-yellow bells which can turn to red when growing in full sun. 

Height: Up to 40cm

Flowers: June to September

Colour: Green / Red